Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook Hi

Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden

Ka mālama ‘ana i ka mo’omeheu. I mea e ola ai mai kēia mua aku. Preserving culture. So that there is life to come.

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Over 200 native plant species

Our Mission

Situated in historic Kealakekua ahupua‘a and overlooking the Bay, the 13-acre Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden mission “supports Hawaiian cultural traditions of land use and plants, and conserves the plant resources of traditional Hawaiian cultural activities.

Many kinds of traditional and modern activities and research are being perpetuated here. Set amongst the most intact remnants of the Kona Field System, the Garden includes agricultural, residential and sacred sites. The historic Pa‘ikapahu Heiau is in a parcel near the main Garden.

The Garden

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As stewards of the Garden’s legacy, we cultivate opportunities for everyone to enjoy our Hawaiian botanical and cultural resources through educational programs, scientific research, recreation, and conservation for the islands and the world.

Our History

Kona Field System Established

Establishment of the Kona Field System by Native Hawaiians, featuring large stone archaeological features around which a thriving upland agricultural system developed to feed a population comparable to that living on the Big Island today.

Bishop Museum

The Garden bequeathed by Amy Greenwell to Bishop Museum for the purpose of conserving an example of the historic Kona Field System and curating a collection of native (endemic and indigenous) and Polynesian-introduced “canoe” plants used for food, fuel, fiber and medicines.

Public Opening

After a number of archeological studies and several years of planting and curating a unique collection of native, rare, endangered and useful Hawaiian plants, Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden opened to the public, becoming a beloved landmark for knowledge sharing, cultural activities and nature appreciation.

Community Ownership

After more than 30 years as part of Bishop Museum, the Garden devolved to community ownership, marking a new chapter in a rich history starting with several phases of agricultural production and now transitioning to a new existence as an anchor of biocultural knowledge sharing and a source of enjoyment for local residents, students and visitors for years to come.

Upcoming Events

Eight shirts arranged on table in black, olive, grey, blue, white, red, mustard, and green.

Pure Kona Green Market

Great farmers market featuring delicious food, crafts, and produce from our local artisans and farmers.

Every Sunday: 9 am - 2 pm

Free for all ages

Front of plain black t-shirt.

Garden Volunteer Days

Come and join our dedicated volunteers for garden work and having fun. Meet at our Visitor Center, located at 82-6160 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704, USA to sign in for the day and meet the crew!

Every Saturday: 9 am - 12:30 pm

Free for all ages

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